Dear Friends, Where does a troubled Jewish teen who is being raised in a single-parent family on welfare and food stamps turn to find help and support in the Bay Area? What beyond spiritual support can a Rabbi who very much wants to help offer a family in crisis? More than 50 years ago our […...

We are heartbroken by the attack on the Jewish community in Boulder this past Sunday and by the deadly shootings in Washington, DC that claimed two lives. These violent acts are part of an alarming rise in antisemitism, and a painful reminder of what happens when hate goes unchecked. Caring for each...

A Q&A with Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet Following October 7, 2023, antisemitic incidents in K – 12 schools surged by 135%, creating unprecedented challenges for Jewish families. Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet, LCSW, Education Specialist at the JFCS Holocaust Center, brings over 40 years of experience as a c...

JFCS changes lives in ways that are both big and small. Whether finding support in a moment of need, strengthening connections to Jewish peoplehood, or discovering a community that feels like home, JFCS makes meaningful impact for families and individuals at every stage of life.  For Tali Feinberg&...

We recently welcomed Holocaust survivors from JFCS’ Cafe by the Bay program to an event called “Our Own Shetl,” designed to immerse them in the world of the once-thriving Jewish communities of Eastern Europe known as shtetls. Through lovingly crafted visuals, live music, and tradit...

In times of uncertainty, having trusted guidance can make all the difference. With immigration policies shifting and global events creating new challenges, many individuals and families are unsure where to turn for accurate information and reliable support. Below, you’ll find answers to some of th...

High school junior Marley Freyman has always been passionate about leadership, an interest she nurtured through her involvement in the many opportunities offered by JFCS’ YouthFirst programming. Her first experience was as a YouthFirst Impact Year Leader. As her service project for that program, ...

When a raging wildfire swept through the Bowyer’s house in Northern California last fall, it destroyed more than just their property—it took their home and years of cherished memories. This devastating loss came at an already overwhelming time, as the family was grappling with serious health cha...

For decades, JFCS’ Adoption Connection has been a national leader in domestic open adoption. With the upcoming launch of our new surrogacy program, JFCS will be a unique family building center, providing education, expertise, and compassionate support for two popular paths to parenthood. Below, re...

When Nina Klein introduces herself, she often says “I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors.” From a young age, she was encouraged to discuss the Holocaust and her parents’ experiences. While it wasn’t always easy for Nina to hear or share these stories, she believes this openness was valua...

Over the last fourteen summers, the JFCS YouthFirst Summer Internship Program has placed hundreds of high school teens with Bay Area businesses, giving the interns an opportunity to explore careers of interest to them. This year, one of the teens joined the JFCS marketing team, wanting to learn more...

At a young age, Ilysa Goldblatt learned the importance of community. She has dedicated her life to helping others navigate life’s challenges and creating a thriving community inspired by Jewish values and traditions. That commitment motivates Ilysa’s service on JFCS’ Board of Directors. “Not...

“My parents taught my sisters and me the importance of building a strong Jewish community and helping those in need,” says Ron Zeff, who was elected to Jewish Family and Children’s Services’ Board of Directors last June. “They were devoted to the local Denver community and to Israel.” Ro...

This spring, JFCS’ Financial Aid Center received record numbers of scholarship applications from outstanding local youth eager to pursue their college dreams. Thanks to the generosity of donors to JFCS’ scholarship fund, many young people received the life-changing news of financial help. Among ...

For decades, Alice took pride in preparing gourmet meals for her husband, Joe. When Alice’s memory declined and she forgot most evenings to cook, Joe didn’t have the heart to raise the issue. Their weight and health began to suffer. Worried, Alice and Joe’s daughters looked for he...